Chapter 117 History of the Palace Outside the Qing Dynasty (17-2)

This is to put the responsibility on Ma Jianzhong on the one hand, and to excuse Ma Jianzhong on the other hand.However, if Li Hongzhang said he had heard nothing about the major event of millions of taels of silver, he would not be able to deceive himself. Machi, but did not know the details, it is the pretext that it has not been sued immediately.Such a statement seems far-fetched, so I once again tried my best to debate the government and business, discussing the urgency of the situation: "Furthermore, Chinese businessmen and foreign businessmen negotiated with each other based on faith; lawyers assisted Western law as a guarantee, but officials were unable to initiate discussions. Foreign insults were rampant, business conditions were in turmoil, and thousands of people were related to each other, but officials could not To protect it, let alone compensate it, merchants try to preserve their own costs, and it is especially inconvenient for officials to suppress them. Fortunately, the provinces have more than 800,000 public funds and four million and hundreds of thousands of business capital. Hebei law agreement was made early, the shipyard was returned as agreed, and China's commerce revived, and there was no disadvantage. However, I heard that the legal person was spying everywhere, and I always suspected that the commercial ship was not a real sale. , for military use, American officials and businessmen are also worried about each other and conceal it, and try their best to protect it.

The mechanism is included here, and I still ask the sage to learn from it and bend it to the original. " This memorial was sent to Beijing by a special messenger and delivered to the Zongli Yamen.There are as many as thirteen prime ministers, and besides Yikuang, there are only three people in power: Yan Jingming, Xu Gengshen, and Zhang Yinhuan.But Yan Jingming was worried about the current situation and he was recuperating at home, Xu Geng was very busy at the military plane and didn't come to the office very often, so all these official affairs were handled by Zhang Yinhuan. Zhang Yinhuan was very talented and sensitive. When he saw Li Hongzhang's memorial, it was fragmented.One of the biggest doubts is whether it is "actual sale" or "management on behalf of"?Not clear.If it is a real sale, the "receipt" issued by Qichang should be cashed at the bank. Even though it is a "promissory note", there is always a date for cashing it. Now it is handed over to the lawyer for receipt.

If it is "agent management", the property rights still belong to China Merchants, and Qichang manages the operation. How will all the proceeds be distributed?Isn't it an anecdote both at home and abroad if you take over millions of dollars worth of ship docks out of thin air to do business with a few "promissory notes" and "receipts" that cannot be cashed, and you keep all the money you get? As for the urgency of the matter and the hasty decision, "American officials and businessmen are also worried about each other and hide it", but it can't be said that even the court is hiding it.This point is hard to understand, even jumping to the Yellow River can't clear it up.Now, without further ado, Li Hongzhang was only instructed to take back the "deed of deposit on both sides, bank promissory note and receipt" from Dane for inspection, and then he dismantled the diorama and asked him to make it look better.

Zhang Yinhuan was appreciated by Li Hongzhang in the past, and has recently been valued by Li Hongzhang. It is natural for him to cover up his personal friendship. When it comes to public affairs, negotiations with the law are on the verge of breaking down. Placed under the sharp pen edge of encirclement and suppression by officials.Fortunately, what Li Hongzhang was ordered to do in the telegram was nothing more than "trying to take it back". This point has been settled, and the rest can be left alone.Find a convenient opportunity and just reply to Empress Dowager Cixi. Unexpectedly, the content of this brochure was leaked very quickly, and Sheng Yu also got a copy of the "bottom paper".After careful reading, I only feel that Li Hongzhang used foreigners to bully the imperial court everywhere, just because "official laws cannot arrest" foreigners, and businessmen can "teach Western methods to maintain them" as an excuse, so he should indulge businessmen and make their own decisions.How is this kind of thinking and practice different from traitors?

However, he only has the feeling from the whole style of writing that he doesn't quite understand the various laws and regulations of the West and the rules of business.Fortunately, there is someone I can ask for advice. This is a junior of his own banner, named Jiezhi, who once served as an attache with Chonghou, stayed in France and Russia, and is quite familiar with the situation in the West. Jie Zhi was also unclear about whether it was the real sale or the management on his behalf. "If it is a real sale, there is absolutely no reason to 'return the bank notes and take back the shipyard' in the future. That is another matter. Why? Jie Zhi explained: "The ship is moving, and it moves every day. The machinery on the hull will wear out, and it is common for accidents to sink. Although it is insured, it is not the original after all. How can we get it back?"

"So, is it managed on behalf of you?" "Not to mention!" Jie Zhi shook his head, "Agent management is more troublesome than real sales. As long as the price is negotiated for real sales, the money will be paid and the delivery will be done quickly. If you manage it on your behalf, you have to negotiate the management's remuneration." , If you manage well, how do you reward them? If you manage poorly, what kind of responsibility should you take? There is something to talk about, and it can’t be done in ten days and half a month.” "So, according to your opinion, is it such a cat drowning?"

"I dare not say that, Master Xi." Sheng Yu understood his intention and assured him: "I will not describe it in the scriptures. You can say whatever you want. " "In my opinion, it's sold. I'm just afraid that this piece of fat meat will have a bone stuck in my throat. I dare not swallow it. It will not be too late to divide the spoils after the matter is over." Jiezhi added, "In the book, Qichang paid for it." I can’t figure out exactly what kind of bills they want, first they talk about silver bills, and later they talk about promissory notes and receipts, and they can’t agree on what to do, and there is something wrong with it.”

"Are these three types of notes different?" "Of course it's different. Silver bills are bills issued by banks, just like our Chinese dealer's bills. As long as the bank has good credit, it doesn't matter how long it takes, and it can be redeemed at any time. However, there are no such stupid people, no If you trust this bank, withdraw the money with a bank note, and store it there to earn interest, wouldn’t it be good?” "That's right, more and more problems have been said." Sheng Yu asked with great interest: "What about promissory notes and receipts?"

"Receipts are issued by private individuals. For example, I have a sum of money deposited in HSBC Bank in the UK. I leave a signature, and the bank will issue a receipt. It only states within the deposit amount, and the amount paid by the check is the same. It’s called receipt. A promissory note is also a receipt, but you can’t pick it up until the date.” This is much more convenient than Chinese banks withdrawing money with passbooks.But Sheng Yu always felt that there was something wrong, so he thought over what Jie Zhi said from the beginning, and found a doubt. "If I issue a ticket and you receive it, how do I know you have so much money in the bank?"

"Of course, it is based on credit. It is more appropriate to go to the bank to 'take the ticket'. Now there is a telegram, and it can be checked in a short time. However, the 'receipt' is not honored. There is always danger. In case the merchant who issued the ticket If it goes bankrupt and fails to receive money, isn’t it self-defeating? So I really don’t understand why the deeds, promissory notes, and receipts are handed over to British lawyers for collection?” "This is bringing out foreigners to bluff people again, thinking that foreigners have good credit and are safe. If he submits the deed, he can excuse it, saying that it is stored with foreigners and cannot be obtained for a while."

"Is there such a thing?" Jie Zhi said with a smile: "I'm afraid I can't coax children with such words. Foreigners don't take too many copies of the deed. How can there be no evidence for the transfer of millions of silver? As for the bank receipt, there is no reason to hand it over to a lawyer. What if the lawyer colludes with the other party and intends to embezzle it?" Sheng Yu Quran got up: "I originally doubted, how do you say 'take back the key, Ma Jianzhong only asks Dai En, and all businessmen only ask Ma Jianzhong, he is reserved and restrained, and we must not allow a little repetition." Who is Ma Jianzhong, who is Dai En Can you bear the responsibility of five million taels of silver? Not to mention that Ma Jianzhong and Dane colluded to steal this huge sum of money, but only that if one of Ma Jianzhong and Dane had an accident and passed away, Isn't the so-called 'restrained restraint' out of joint, like a kite with a broken line, without a trace? Listening to what you said now, it's not in compliance with the rules at all, so the so-called 'receipt by Dane' and so on are completely empty excuses .An important minister of the country dares to bully you like this. Do you really think that the emperor is underage and can be insulted lightly? I must participate." "Uncle Xi," Jiezhi reminded him, "Hefei pretends to understand Western affairs, but he is really a half bottle of vinegar. Maybe some of them are deceiving him, and we don't know." "That's naturally Ma Jianzhong. Of course I can't let him go, and I have to make a fuss from him. However, it is hard to agree with Hefei being bullied. Hefei is not easy to be bullied, and none of his subordinates dare Bullying him." At this point, Sheng Yu sighed, "It's my fault to be weird!" "That's strange." Jie Zhi was very confused, "What does it have to do with you, Uncle Xi?" "I shouldn't join Prince Gong." Sheng Yu replied: "If Prince Gong was in the court, Hefei would never dare to act like this. Going forward, with Wen Wenzhong, he would not dare. Now, it is very different!" "Then, Uncle Xi, you mean, he dared to bully King Jiu?" "Of course you dare. King Chun's main battle is different from Hefei's. However, if you want to start a war, Hefei is still indispensable, so King Chun has to be perfunctory. He has seen this clearly, so he dares to be so outrageous." "Ah!" Jiezhi suddenly realized, "No wonder! Hefei has one hand in foreign affairs and the other in Beiyang. He is indispensable in peace and war. If you are an official like this, you can really have both sides, and you will always be disadvantaged." "By the way! You have seen it through. Let me tell you again, why does Hefei advocate peace and not advocate war? There are victories and defeats in wars, and once he loses, he will be finished. As long as he can make peace with foreigners, Beiyang with his one hand is bluffing." You can’t live with foreigners, but you can bluff the court, and you can be the governor of Zhili and minister of Beiyang for a lifetime.” After Jiezhi left, Sheng Yu immediately started to draft bullets, attacking Ma Jianzhong openly and attacking Li Hongzhang secretly.Put them together and make a suggestion: "Slave Kui's situation today, even if he can't be imprisoned as a hostage, it seems that he should be dismissed immediately, order Ma Jianzhong to redeem the certificate of guarantee from the China Merchants Bureau, and order Li Hongzhang to supervise Ma Jianzhong's certificate of guarantee. China Merchants Bureau In relation to Jianghai Wharf, Chinese and foreign business, it is imperative to use expediency to hope for redemption. If the redemption is not possible, the person will be punished. If the person escapes, Li Hongzhang will be executed. Let foreigners hear it and know that the minister is powerful and treacherous. , none of them can escape the insight of the Holy Spirit.” The paperwork was drawn up, but when it was time to transcribe and submit it, I got the news that the French Acting Minister Xie Manlu had already left Beijing with his flag.This is a clear sign that negotiations have broken down, diplomatic relations have been interrupted, and the two sides will meet each other in arms. Therefore, the Prime Minister's Office sent secret messages to the governors of the provinces to prepare for the war.The enemy is at present, and the opportunity to fight is urgent. It would be too ignorant to impeach important ministers with such severe words.Therefore, Sheng Yu had no choice but to lock the folded bottom into the drawer, and wait until the overall situation was settled. The day when Xie Manlu left Beijing under his flag was the first day of July, but the negotiations were bound to end in a breakdown. The day when Zeng Guoquan held talks with Badeno in Shanghai, it was already doomed. The official opening is the seventh day of June.In addition to Zeng Guoquan and Chen Baochen, Xu Jingcheng, the new envoy stationed in Japan, came out of Shanghai and was also ordered to assist in the negotiation.Badeno asked for three payments, but in fact there were only two of them, and he focused on military compensation. He asked for 250 million francs, equivalent to 12.5 million taels of silver. At the same time, he had to decide on the payment deadline.If the Chinese government is simply happy and willing to speed up, the compensation can be reduced by 50 million francs.As for the first item requiring Liu Yongfu's dismissal, as long as the compensation is negotiated, of course he can make concessions. Since Zeng Guoquan had been instructed by Li Hongzhang, he immediately stated that he could pay 500,000 taels in the name of paying compensation to the fallen French officers and soldiers.Badenuo refused outright, but the imperial court issued a decree to reprimand Zeng Guoquan with a light promise of compensation.In order to support Zhang Peilun, the Minister of the Council, Chen Baochen, firmly advocated that Nanyang should send two soldiers to Fujian in his turn. When Zeng Guoquan was in a bad mood, he would have no good face. "No!" He bluntly refused, "I must not send." "Marshal," Chen Baochen's words were also very firm: "The Minhai Sea is in danger, how can we sit idly by? Can't help but send. " "The Fujian Sea is in danger, isn't Nanyang in danger? A while ago, Zhang Youqiao called for a ship, and the Military Aircraft Department replied that there were no ships in the South and North Seas to assist Fujian, and Guangdong and Zhejiang dispatched the ships. Brother, don't you know about this?" "That moment, this moment. Now that Xiao Song's army is urgently calling for help, it is out of the righteousness of watching and helping each other, so we can't help but be in a hurry." Zeng Guoquan just shook his head, "Nanyang is also important." He said, "There is no reason to save people from the well." This is a superficial article. Zeng Guoquan's real concern is that he is afraid of sending out a convoy of troops, which will fool people. Budnau will think that he is focused on preparing for war and has no sincerity to seek peace, thus breaking the overall situation. Those who hoped to preserve the peace were not only the two ministers of Beiyang and Beiyang, but even King Chun, who was the most powerful in the main battle, and Yan Jingming, who was the most resolute in opposing compensation for military expenses, were also shaken, because it was difficult to deploy troops and raise salaries. not sure.Yan Jingming is willing to try to raise one million taels of silver, and pay it to France in the name of "border fee". After obtaining the consent of King Chun, he will play together. King Chun is "called up" almost every day, just to avoid suspicion, saying that he is different from the "king of politics" before King Gong, never meeting with the Minister of Military Affairs, or "confronting alone", or with the Prime Minister At the same time, he met with Empress Dowager Cixi.Following the example of Mu Zong, the emperor first received the ministers and workers with the Empress Dowager Cixi to study political affairs before taking office. On this day, Yikuang, Yan Jingming, Xu Gengshen and other prime ministers "passed the sign" to meet at the same time. Yikuang first stated: "Badenuo has sent a note to Zeng Guoquan. Yesterday was the first day of August in the Western calendar. The deadline for negotiating compensation has passed. Yes. From now on, France will do whatever it wants, without any restrictions. It seems that they will definitely occupy one or two ports in China as a measure of extortion. The situation is urgent, and the Empress Dowager should make a plan early." "France's deadline is also I’ve said it more than once, so it’s okay by then?” The Empress Dowager Cixi sneered, “You discuss it every day, whether it’s peace or war, and up to now you haven’t said anything concrete. Are you sure you want to fight? Can you not lose face? We have to find a way for everyone to go!" "Now France is also riding a tiger, and I am eager to find a way to get off." Chun Wang replied, "Shanghai has Hart to make a difference. According to the telegram from Zeng Guoquan, three million taels is enough for the shirt. Li Fengbao called from Paris. It is said that France has revealed that it can be reduced to two and a half million taels. According to this view, if you can give one million taels of silver, it will definitely be reconciled." "One million taels is not a small amount, where does it come from?" "Talk to the Empress Dowager," Yan Jingming answered, "I can raise enough money for this amount." "Is it for France's military expenses?" "It's not military compensation, it's a 'border fee' to France." "What is the 'border fee', isn't it just 'shame money'?" The Empress Dowager Cixi insisted on refusing to allow it, "Never give it! This time, France is unreasonable, and instead asks China to pay him military expenses, which is too much to deceive people. According to me He said, France should pay us for our military expenses. You must be reasonable in everything, if you are willing to work hard, you would have invited other countries to mediate the arbitration, so why did France get ahead of itself today?" "The public opinions of all countries are not reliable." Yikuang replied, "Now only the United States is willing to mediate. The slave waits to meet with the American envoy John John every day, and always speaks good things to him. John Yang said that the United States is very willing to help and is always there. In the past few days, he will have a definite reply from the capital." "Then wait until we hear back." "It's just that France is arrogant and unreasonable. I'm afraid they will provoke in the next few days. Keelung and Fuzhou are very dangerous." "If there is going to be a war, the only one who will follow them." The Empress Dowager Cixi sneered, "Every day you clamor to prepare for the war, but you can't say that the draw can't be kept, and you will tremble with fright first?" Hearing such words, Chun Wang only felt his face burn, and he could no longer say any more words for peace. "I'm not necessarily saying that we want to go to war, but seeking peace is not surrender, but you can say anything if you can swallow it in one breath." The Empress Dowager Cixi paused and said, "Many French warships have sailed to Fujian. Defense. If you plan carefully, if you are not sure about starting a war, we will discuss it separately." The Empress Dowager Cixi changed her mind and was willing to preserve the appearance of the tie, but at this moment, Zhang Peilun made a note of "secretly reporting the situation to prevent the arrangement", which made her attitude harden again.The memorial reads as follows: On the 25th day of the fifth month, the minister increased the number of French ships, paid attention to the ship's bureau, and asked to march into the horse's tail to prevent the enemy from rushing.On the 27th, a telegram was received from Beiyang Minister Li Hongzhang, saying that the French Consul Lin Chun had 28 days to complete and that he would attack the Mawei Shipping Bureau.The minister was afraid that the enemy would provoke, which is now, so he braved the rain at night and sailed to the shipping bureau at dawn to discuss everything with He Ruzhang, the minister of shipping.The two battalions also arrived to select the front, and the minister ordered many flags to be placed along the way, and they lined up on the river bank to suspect the enemy. " In addition to being suspicious of the strategy of the soldiers, Zhang Peilun proudly reported that Gu Ba was jealous of him: "First, before the minister's army arrived, we secretly negotiated with He Ruzhang. Zhang Cheng, a naval guerrilla, led a Yangwu army ship, and two small mosquito boats were moored bow and stern with the enemy's ship, in case the enemy suddenly attacked, that is to say, they were smashed and smashed together. The enemy is vicious, and has relied on it for three days to contain it. In the early morning light, the admiral of the French navy, Gu Ba, suddenly saw the flags and drums of the ministers, and questioned them with the ship. When he suspected that I wanted to fight, the minister ordered Zhang Cheng to answer. China is dignified and upright, wars must be scheduled, and there is no deceit, so I told the admiral to be useless. The admiral immediately invited Zhang Cheng to meet, and the tone of the speech was peaceful, saying that China treats me politely. Hearing that the people are surprised, my ship also intends to retreat two ships first, etc. Depending on the words of the French Consul Pariser’s note on the 27th, the ministers are still ordering the water to be well prepared, and personally lead Huang Chaoqun and others in the Qishan Mountains in the weekly calendar to look at the enemy’s divisions. The boats are five large and small, scattered around The tower is only half a mile away from the shipyard. The tea market has been at a standstill for several days, and the people are terrified. The theory that the enemy took Fuzhou was broadcast two months ago, and even foreign merchants are suspicious of it." Next, we will describe how difficult it is for the ship to defend, so we have to resort to another suspicious strategy: "It is announced today: digging the Haosai River, laying more mines and mines to prepare for the battle, Gu Chen's army has not a single mine." This tactic of suspicious soldiers was effective on the second day. The French warships retreated two ships, but "if they go out, they will join the three ships outside the mouth to scare Nagato, and if they enter, they will join the two ships inside the mouth to doubt the ship's situation." There are only three "official boats" on the Minjiang River, and they are lonely and dangerous.The enemy can retreat or advance, and can fight or defend. Besides, "how can I dare to use the enemy's retreat to lift the law when no military ships from the north and south have arrived?" At the same time, a telegram from the Prime Minister's Office was also mentioned. The Prime Minister’s Yamen has seen the strategy of the French army. First, they must occupy a port in China as a basis for blackmail. However, Li Hongzhang must come forward to negotiate peace between China and foreign countries. Therefore, to save his face, he must not violate the Beiyang border.Otherwise, approaching Jifu and shaking the capital, Li Hongzhang will be in a very difficult situation, and it will be difficult to achieve peace, and it will not be good for France. Therefore, secondly, the location must be far away from the south of the capital, and ideally a place that is convenient for naval supplies.In this way, Keelung has coal mines, and Fuzhou has a shipping bureau, which became the first target of France if it didn't do anything. Because the Zongli Yamen had received telegrams in the past few days, French warships frequently entered and exited the Minjiang Estuary, and negotiations were imminent.If there is really a fight, according to Li Hongzhang's judgment, "the ship situation cannot be guaranteed", but if the Mawei defenders are willing to take a small loss and the battle situation does not expand, the tie situation can still be salvaged.So I sent a telegram to Zhang Peilun: "Small setbacks can be recovered."This is to imply that setbacks have already been taken care of, and he will not be held accountable, and it means to persuade him to bear the humiliation. Zhang Peilun naturally understood, but he was not persuaded. He said: "If the Guochen army is defeated, all resources will be exhausted, and there will be no soldiers and no pay. Who will be more motivated?" Of course, he has another opinion when he talks like this. , also have self-confidence. In order to contrast his loyalty, bravery and hard work, he had to make a comparison without involving Peng Yulin.It is said that last autumn Peng Yulin was ordered to handle Guangdong's military affairs and demarcated a defense zone with Zhang Shusheng, governor of Guangdong and Guangxi.This matter was despised by Zhang Peilun, and he happened to use Pili Yangqiu to raise his status and praise his contribution: "When the minister came out, the people of the province and the city had no firm will, and all the wind and cranes were soldiers. They wanted to help Peng Yulin and did not go to Qiongfang to keep the minister. The minister thought that the new recruits are not proportional to the old, and the horse's tail will not be satisfied. Lost in the war, I asked for compensation according to its quality, and the minister waited quietly in the province to redeem it together with this land. It doesn't mean that this army can win." "This army" is Huang Chaoqun's army, which was captured by Zhang Zhaodong in self-defense. Although this army may not be able to win, Zhang Peilun is still sure of victory. "When I come to the front enemy, I feel that the spies from various battalions and the telexes from all walks of life are half of the legal person's false threats, and the minister, please preemptively strike the enemy, it is not unsure." His certainty is based on two judgments. First, China has repeatedly made concessions to France. The French army does not need to fight to the death. However, the navy and army commanded by Zhang Peilun in the counter-terrorism fight to the death have already lost a bit in morale; Secondly, the French warships in the Minjiang River are no more than two bureau ships.If all the French troops landed, they could attack the enemy ships by taking advantage of them. If only half of them landed, only a few hundred people, with 2,000 troops to meet them, the French might not be able to gain the upper hand.What's more, the enemy army goes deep into the interior, and their return can be blocked everywhere.At the same time, the tide has been "small letters" recently, and it is inconvenient for French warships to come and go. This is a taboo for the army, and it is the reason why Zhang Peilun wants to go to war. The art of war emphasizes "knowing yourself and knowing the enemy". He said that he has such a chance of winning, but he also needs to assess the enemy's situation. Zhang Peilun expressed with confidence that the enemy has seen his fighting spirit and has become timid, and that's why he still lingers: "Since it is expected that China will not lose peace, Guba came here with a naval admiral and arrogance, saying that Fujian officials will surrender their hearts and follow each other, and the shipyard is definitely within reach. I don't want to talk to him first, and I want to be with him again. In the first battle, if you suddenly retreat from the army, you are also afraid that you will see other countries and take ridicule soldiers. Therefore, you will sail the Hujiang River to cover up the traces of retreat, and you will still be the end of the coercion. The plan is also cunning! The admiral must have sent a secret telegram to Budenuo. It was not because he wanted to offend him, but because he had to send someone to Shanghai to give an explanation. He had telegraphed Li Hongzhang yesterday and asked him not to go to Shanghai. When the master is worried about humiliation, the minister has the strength of the army. Ji, if you can't defeat the enemy by building up your power in a single battle, how dare you speak out loudly and have no fear of the situation? Just think about the enemy's situation and fight hard. It is difficult to reason. Now that the Dharma boat is in Fujian, its momentum will turn slightly. There are one or two people who claim to be able to handle foreign affairs, and they use their arms to distinguish and mediate the difficulties. They don't have the solitude of the soldiers to defend them. They are the shortcuts of the rogue Xirong. , reluctantly explaining to Chen." These presentations greatly strengthened Empress Dowager Cixi's courage, and what touched her the most was that Zhang Peilun swore at the end of the day: If the situation turned bad, "Our support will be cut off, and the French ships will come. I am afraid that they will suddenly attack the former enemy. According to our upstream, our army was finally defeated, and the two armies, led by Ranchen, vowed to live and die with the factory, and would never retreat, so as to embarrass the court." Such a man of integrity, loyal and brave, is really Worth reusing. The plan of relying on the United States to "negotiate cooperation" finally came to nothing. France officially refused the United States' mediation, and at the same time took action against Keelung. Guba's deputy, Li Zhibi, led four warships to bombard the Keelung fort.When Liu Mingchuan got the news, he ordered the Keelung Coal Mine to be blown up by himself, and at the same time personally led the four admirals to repel the landing French army, but he himself quickly retreated to Danshui.According to Liu Mingchuan's own explanation: Taiwan has no warships, and it cannot compete with the French army on the sea. Only by luring them ashore can they be "gathered and wiped out." The French army refused to be fooled, and left three warships to monitor the waters of Keelung. At the same time, Badeno sent a note to Zeng Guoquan. The French army captured Keelung as a pledge, and temporarily refused to take Fuzhou. With the situation at this point, if they are willing to make peace, they will become an alliance under the city.Seeing this situation, King Chun was unwilling to make peace, and could not fight. Under the desperation of the six gods, he had no choice but to call a court meeting. At this time, Chen Baochen sent a telegram. There was a sentence that made the Empress Dowager Cixi very sad. Qingliu is mostly resolute in nature, not because he sees that things are difficult and there is absolutely nothing he can do, and he is absolutely unwilling to say such helpless and discouraged words. "The matter has come to this point, I really don't know what to say!" The Empress Dowager Cixi sighed to King Chun and the prime ministers, "Can we fight? You have to have something real. The matter cannot be dragged on! It gets worse and worse." The weather on June 22 was cloudless and sweltering with no rain. King Chun was so anxious that he was sweating profusely. He really wanted to say, "I'm not sure if we want to start a war." But he just couldn't say it. The Empress Dowager Cixi knew that King Chun was useless, and she was willing to reuse him because he was useless.Therefore, regarding the issue of military pay, I will directly inquire with Xu Gengshen and Yan Jingming at this moment. "Xu Geng's body!" She asked: "Look, if you start a war, are you sure?" This is the most difficult question to answer.However, although Xu Geng himself could not make up his mind about the grand plan of peace and war, after Hong Yangping, he worked as a "Dalami" in the military aircraft, and almost all the important military affairs were issued by him. The Huai Army has many accumulated habits and cannot be relied on; the Beiyang Navy is like a baby and is learning to walk, and it is not enough to be self-reliant; Although he is in charge of military affairs, he presides over heavy affairs.Of course, he didn't want to offend Li Hongzhang, let alone King Chun, saying that their soldiers were useless, and he always said repeatedly: Prepare more strength.At this time, it is still playing like this. "China has a vast territory and too many ports. At the beginning, our ancestors set up troops to garrison and focused on land routes. Since Daoguang, five ports have been opened for trade, and Sino-foreign negotiations have become more and more frequent. It was never expected by our ancestors. Since Wenzong controlled the guests and relied on the empress dowager It has only been more than ten years since we have worked hard on the top, developed and leveled, and paid attention to coastal defense. Naturally, it cannot be compared with the navies of Western countries that have been in operation for decades. If you have more equipment, you will divide your strength. In Fuzhou, He Jing called for help one after another, and there was no warship in the North and South Oceans that could be transferred to the sea of ​​Fujian. Even if it could be transferred, France gave up its horsetail and attacked Keelung. The Chinese and Western newspapers said that the admiral of the French navy, Guba, was a strong general, and he sent a telegram to their Navy Department to attack Zhifu, Weihaiwei, and Lushun in Shandong, and the enemy’s divisions would attack the north, and the capital would be shaken. After we meet, we don't need to say the conclusion. Empress Dowager Cixi sighed faintly, turned her face and asked again: "Yan Jingming, what do you say?" "According to my minister, it is advisable to close it. The soldiers who fight the war are paid, and the current salary source is very scarce. The most worrying thing is that Nancao mostly uses sea transportation. If something happens at sea and the ship of China Merchants cannot reach Tianjin, then When..." Yan Jingming said with difficulty: "'Food is the first thing for the people'! The empress dowager is wise." There has always been insufficient food in the north. If the southern canals are interrupted, this shortage of food will cause people's hearts to fluctuate, and it will cause great chaos.Rethinking this, it is chilling. "According to this, if you can't fight, you will surrender?" "Is there any reason to surrender?" King Chun said uncomfortably. "Yeah, not only do you have nowhere to go, what face will I have to see my ancestors in the future? Everyone has to find a way out! " "Your fool, I think that the country's century-old plan should not be contested for a day's short or long, but a long-lasting strategy." Xu Geng said again, "In the past, most of the court discussions have been empty words. Worker, discuss it in detail, if it is a replay of empty words, throw it back immediately." Xu Gengshen cleverly changed the subject, and the Empress Dowager Cixi nodded unconsciously: "You are telling the truth. I just drafted the order according to your wishes. The notes received in the past two days, the telegrams from Nanbeiyang and Fujian, and the notes from Chen Baochen, Send it all down, and read it in public." "Yes!" King Chun agreed. When he came out of the palace, King Chun was sweating profusely and looked very bad.His heart is simple and honest, competitive, but he is mediocre!For many years, he has been saying that Prince Gong is not good. Under Sun Yuwen's instigation, he hastily decided to seize power, and he took over a heavy burden in a muddleheaded manner. Once he shouldered it, he felt overwhelmed. Now he is in a dilemma, unable to move an inch .Recalling someone's words from Prince Gong: "It's not hard to see people carrying burdens", and I feel ashamed and apprehensive, which is why I have such an inner agitation and an air of self-shock. "Uncle Xing," he said to Xu Gengshen, "I'll go back first. You can discuss it with Laishan, and come to my place first when you leave the palace." "Yes! My lord, please go back and rest first. Don't be in a hurry!" Xu Gengshen comforted him and said, "The situation can always be salvaged. After this hurdle, we must find a long-lasting plan, and there will be a day when we can feel proud." "That's the only way I think now. But..." King Chun blinked his eyes and thought for a while beside the sedan chair before saying, "Let's talk about it later. Ting Yi, you should be prepared." He didn't go to the military aircraft office, and he was usually in the mansion when he did business, and King Qing often passed on his messages.Recently, because of the urgent situation, and King Chun took special care of him, so after the military plane was on duty this afternoon, Prince Qing, Sun Yuwen, Yan Jingming, and Xu Gengshen went to Shiyuan to have an audience. "The court decided on the 22nd." King Qing said: "The imperial front, the military aircraft, the General Administration, the six ministries and the nine ministers, the scientific officials, and the lecturers." This is the person who was required to participate in the court meeting according to the report. King Chun asked in surprise, "Why is there no prince?" "Laishan!" King Qing turned to look at Sun Yuwen: "Go back with Master Qi!" It is an unprecedented precedent for the court to discuss without summoning the prince. This example was created by Sun Yuwen, and the purpose was to relieve the siege of the Alcohol King.Because when King Jin was "in the field", he spoke out loudly and criticized King Gong for his improper measures, and his words were often extremely sharp. Now he is in a different place, afraid of King Gong, and there is always King Dun who has always said something, said something, and said nothing. , In front of the public, he was so crowded that King Chun couldn't get off the stage. Embarrassment is one thing, but I am even more afraid that under agitation, the officials will inevitably echo their voices, so under the situation of being unable to resist, King Chun made the conclusion of the main battle, and the overall situation will be difficult to deal with at that time.Therefore, Sun Yuwen agreed to use the method of "cutting the mess with a sharp knife", and simply refused to let King Gong discuss with King Dun. Of course, it is inconvenient to say this directly, so he just replied: "Aren't there princes among the imperial ministers?" King Jin agreed, nodded and didn't mention it, but asked the lecturer: "Sheng Boxi and the others don't know what they will say?" "What else can they say? It's just a conclusion." Sun Yuwen added, "Zhang Youqiao is in Fujian, Chen Boqian is in Nanyang, Wu Qingqing is in Beiyang, and Zhang Xiangtao is in Guangdong. It's a decisive victory. The imperial court has prepared a red cap." In these sneering remarks, Sun Yuwen revealed his tricks, using the Qingliu to control the Qingliu, and may even use the Qingliu to attack the Qingliu.Chen Baochen has already said that "reconciliation is also regrettable, and not reconciliation is also regrettable", which is enough to see that the tone of the main battle is not as good as before.If Sheng Yu, who was not the leader of the lecturer, blamed him, it would be tantamount to having trouble with the two Zhang Chen Wu and others. Knowing this, Chun Wang felt relieved.However, within two or three months, he has already fully understood the plight of the country. There is no one-sentence settlement between war and war.Taking the current situation as an example, "regret after disharmony" is not as good as "regret after disharmony", because "regret after discord" will inevitably lose teachers and humiliate the country, pay for military expenses, and pursue accountability, causing chaos in the world and loss of vitality. "Peace and regret" at least preserves strength, so Xu Tu can do it again and strive to be a hero.Such a simple and clear truth cannot be explained in a single word, but it has to be twisted and twisted to deal with Empress Dowager Cixi's accusation and Qingliu's main argument. , constrained everywhere.Now, from what Sun Yuwen said, Qingliu seems to have been restrained, so things are much easier to handle. Then discuss the wording of the replay.There has always been a replay in the court meeting, which is called "public fold". The draft is prepared in advance, and those who agree are listed, otherwise there is a separate play.The public document is either drafted by the cabinet, drafted by the military aircraft, or prepared by the princes who lead the convening, depending on what is being discussed. But Sun Yuwen objected again. Although the discount was prepared by military planes, it might as well be submitted to Boyan Mogu.This seemed unbelievable, but after he explained the reason, he couldn't help but admire his ingenuity. This is done to prevent one person from disturbing the overall situation, and this person is Zuo Zongtang.Since he was summoned back in May, and since he arrived in Beijing, his favor has not faded, and he is still in the direct military aircraft, and also in charge of the Shenji battalion.But his temper has not changed, he is still prone to big words, swearing, and he is in a trance, talking inconspicuously, and none of his military colleagues does not feel headaches.If the draft of the public draft was prepared by a military plane, he must have many opinions and picks, making it impossible to finalize it. Therefore, it is better to let Zuo Zongtang, who is the most honored title in this court meeting, and the leader of the replay, propose a draft. And smell, but quiet nothing. "That's good!" King Dun nodded deeply, then frowned and said, "This honesty is really annoying." "There is a way!" Sun Yuwen said, "This old man is not suitable for participating in temple discussions, so let's ask him to go out and lead troops when the opportunity arises!" "What do you think of Laishan's words?" King Chun looked at Yan and Xu and asked. Both Yan Jingming and Xu Geng remained silent, seventy old men and emperor soldiers may not be suitable, and in terms of human feelings, they also think it is too much.只是此老在朝，也实在是成事不足，败事有余，所以不愿表示意见。 “看情形再说吧！”醇王也觉得这样安排不妥，搁置不谈，“折底就请星叔动笔。” "yes!" “我还有件事，跟大家商量。这件事我想了好久了，一直打不定注意。现在为了振作士气，不能不这么办，我想面奏太后，仿照老五太爷的例子，以'奉命大将军'的名义，带领神机营，到越南去打法国鬼子。” 此言一出，举座大惊，连孙毓汶都张口结舌了。“老五太爷”惠亲王在咸丰三年奉旨授为奉命大将军，只不过督办畿辅防剿事宜，与出师越南岂可同日而语？ “祖宗创业维艰，虽说马上得天下，不能马上治天下，不过骑射是八旗的根本，修文亦不必偃武。本朝初入关的时候，王公大臣没有不能开强弓，说'国语'的。承平日久，习于骄逸，纯庙高瞻远瞩，极力纠正，较射三箭不中鹄，立刻斥责，八旗子弟乡会试，先试弓马，合格了才许入闱，此所以有'十大武功'。当时明亮、奎林他们，都是椒房世臣，用命疆场。纯庙圣谕：'周朝以稼穑开基，至今以农立国，本朝以弧矢定天下，何可一日废武？废武就是忘本！'”醇王说到这里又激动了，“就因为八旗忘本，才有今天外敌欺凌之辱！” “王爷见得极是。”孙毓汶劝道：“不过以王爷的身分，亲冒矢石，皇上何能片刻安心？” “亲冒矢石也不致于。我自然是在关内安营，指挥督战，无须亲临前敌。”醇王又说：“唯其以我的身分，亲自督师，才能振作士气。” “说实在的，王爷有这番意思就够了……。” “不够，不够！”醇王抢着摇手，“一定要到前方，打个样子给大家看看。有人说神机营是虚好看，我不服气。从前文博川带神机营到奉天剿马贼，打得很好。他回来跟我说：神机营不是不能用，只不过京师繁华之地，把他们养得懒了。一到苦地方，摆不上'旗下大爷'的谱，自己不动手，连顿饭都吃不到嘴，自然大改常度。这话真是阅历之言。再说养兵千日，用在一朝，神机营操练了这么多年，临到该他们露一手，还不拚命争个面子？我意已决，你们劝我也没有用。” "My lord!" 阎敬铭才说了一句，醇王便又抢着开口，“丹翁！”他拱拱手，“这饷的方面，你无论如何要帮我的忙。乾隆年间，大将军督师，都特简大臣筹办粮秣，你年纪这么大了，我当然不敢劳动你，不过，务必要请你派年轻力强，吃得苦、耐得劳的司官，替我管粮台。” 说到这样的话，阎敬铭只能恭恭敬敬应一声：“是！” 孙、阎二人都“没辙”了，只拿眼望着许庚身。他当然也有一番话说，只是看醇王满怀信心，意气甚豪，不便泼他的冷水，越泼越坏，变成激将，更难挽回。所以一直在思索着，怎么能让醇王知道，神机营不中用，而又不伤他的自尊？ 才能让他知难而退。